ST. LOUIS, Aug. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The British Journal of
Dermatology has published online the results of an International
Psoriasis Council (IPC) survey identifying 21 psoriasis research
priorities. The results will also appear in a future print edition of
the journal.

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The article, "Prioritizing the global research agenda in
psoriasis: An International Psoriasis Council Delphi consensus
exercise," identifies priorities that will guide future research
into the autoimmune disease. The council, a global nonprofit focused on
psoriasis research, launched the survey because gaps exist in the
understanding of psoriasis, said Dr. Bruce Strober, interim chair of the
department of dermatology at the University of Connecticut, an IPC board
member, and the article's lead author.

The priorities encompass a range of issues, including how the
disease begins, the genetics of psoriasis, optimal treatment use, and
psoriasis in children. The survey's top three priorities were:

* Creating a "map" that identifies genes that confer
susceptibility to developing psoriasis

To determine these key research needs, the IPC used the Delphi
method, a survey technique that uses a series of anonymous interspersed
discussions and rounds of voting to collect data from a panel of
experts, eventually reaching a consensus. For this study, the IPC
surveyed psoriasis experts from around the world who belong to the
council. After repeated voting online, these specialists reached
consensus on the 21 priorities.

"The Delphi method has generated a more data-driven, unbiased
prioritization of topics important for study," Strober said.
"This list will provide both institutions and individuals a better
sense of the pressing and relevant research needs in
psoriasis."

Find the British Journal of Dermatology article at
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjd.13980/abstract.

Find the 21 priorities and abstracts at
www.psoriasiscouncil.org/Delphi2014.

About IPC Founded in 2004, the International Psoriasis Council (IPC)
is a dermatology-led, voluntary, global nonprofit organization dedicated
to innovation across the full spectrum of psoriasis through research,
education and patient care.

IPC was established as an international organization of global
psoriasis experts working on the advancement of psoriasis. IPC provides
expert opinion on current psoriasis issues, both therapeutic and
research-related, convenes roundtable conferences, contributes
manuscripts to top-tier medical journals, and presents at important
congresses around the world. Learn more about the International
Psoriasis Council at www.psoriasiscouncil.org. Follow us on Facebook and
Twitter.

About psoriasis Psoriasis is a common, chronic, immune-mediated,
inflammatory disease with primary involvement of the skin and a strong
genetic predisposition that affects 3% of the global population. Severe
psoriasis has been associated with risks for developing other
conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, hypertension, atherosclerosis,
metabolic syndrome and liver disease that may shorten a person's
life. Psoriasis can severely impact daily function, mental health, and
day-to-day social interactions.

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